Cardiff visit St. Mary’s this weekend, where they will face Southampton. The hosts are the favourites to pick up all three points, yet the Bluebirds will be desperate to end their recent poor spell.
Southampton
The Saints goal for the season is to return to the Premier League, and so far, the fans should be content with their performances. Russel Martin’s side currently sit in fourth, winning ten of their 18 matches. They score the joint sixth most goals in the Championship, 1.61, but the difference between Southampton and the teams above them is that they are more vulnerable at the back, conceding the joint ninth most in the league per game on average, 1.5.
Having said that, Southampton picked up a relatively comfortable 1-0 victory at home to Bristol City this week. A Kyle Walker-Peters strike just after the break separated the two sides.
Cardiff
The Bluebirds have been a difficult side to play against since the appointment of Erol Bulut, and they are currently placed in ninth. Cardiff have won eight matches this season, five less than their entire tally last year, which highlights their improvement. They also perform well at both ends of the field, scoring 1.5 goals per game and suffering just 1.17.
Unfortunately, Cardiff lost their most recent match 1-0 against West Brom. The tie saw very little action, with only two shots on target between the two sides. Cardiff failed to show any intent despite being the home side.
Verdict?
The Saints are on a ten-game unbeaten streak, and they will be confident that three points is achievable this weekend. Cardiff are rather inconsistent at the moment, and any version of the side could show up on Saturday.
The final prediction is Southampton 3-1 Cardiff.
